South Africa will seize the one-week delay in the United States’ planned 30% tariffs to negotiate intensely in a bid to avoid the penalties and protect jobs, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday.
The US had initially scheduled the tariffs—part of President Donald Trump’s broader trade measures—against nearly 70 countries to begin on Friday. However, Washington postponed implementation until 7 August, giving South Africa a narrow window to respond.
The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, after China. Central Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warned that the tariffs could lead to the loss of approximately 100,000 jobs in the country.
“With the window still open, we’re hoping to reach a resolution,” Ramaphosa told reporters. “We’re now engaged in intensive negotiations,” he added.
“Our mission is to negotiate firmly and decisively with the United States. Ultimately, our goal is to preserve jobs.”
The new tariffs would hit South Africa’s agriculture and automotive sectors hardest—industries already under strain in a country grappling with an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, the highest among Africa’s industrialised economies.
While pursuing talks with Washington, Pretoria is also exploring alternative export markets to reduce reliance on a single trade partner.
“It’s far too risky to depend solely on one market,” Ramaphosa said.
This week, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition disclosed South Africa’s offer to the US: to increase imports of American liquefied natural gas and agricultural goods.
In addition, South African companies have pledged to invest in US mining and metals-recycling ventures. They also plan to collaborate with American firms on investments in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural machinery, according to the ministry.